HOBBS, NM---The University of the Southwest Baseball program played the very first collegiate contest in the state of New Mexico since the COVID-19 pandemic over the weekend. The Mustangs were originally scheduled to play Ecclesia College in Lubbock, TX this weekend, but with the Governor's newest ruling on sporting events, USW was able to host the contest with limited fans. The Mustangs and visiting Royals played to an even 2-2 series split, with the Mustangs winning both Game 1's of the double-header and the Royals winning both Game 2's of the doubleheader. After the series split this weekend and the series split against Oklahoma Panhandle State at the beginning of the week, the Mustangs sit at 4-4 on the season. 

"Eight games in a week is never easy, especially when it's your opening week and you haven't faced outside competition yet" said Head Coach Steve Appel. "We know we are extremely young in some areas, but we need to continue to grow as one complete unit. I think we had some guys step up and show some worth, especially since we were without a few key pieces. I think some guys are putting way too much pressure on themselves and I think later down the road it will all come together. We have to stay confident and patient as coaches, and keep building our team up. Our backs are up against the wall and we need to keep fighting. However, it was awesome to play at home. Our kids will keep getting better as they face more obstacles throughout the season." 

Game 1
USW 4---EC 3

With the Mustangs playing two games early in the week, Coach Appel went with true freshman Cody Stone to start Game 1 of the series. In his very first collegiate start, the Moody, TX native threw 5 innings allowing 6 hits and only 3 runs. Stone would turn the ball over to sophomore right-hander Bo Sims who finished the final 2 innings allowing 1 hit and striking out 1 to earn the save. 

Offensively the Mustangs were led by Brian Rodriguez and Jeremy Dibartolomeo who each had 2 hits and 1 RBI in the game. The Mustangs scored all 4 of their runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Gavy Perez-Torres drove in Brian Rodriguez late in the inning to give the Mustangs a 4-1 lead, which would eventually be the deciding run in the game.

Game 2
EC 11---USW 4

Game 2 belonged to Ecclesia first-basemen Zack Espinosa who hammered three home runs over the left field fence for a total of 4 RBI. Cameron Phillips got the start for USW and lasted only 2 innings allowing 4 hits, 4 runs and 3 walks. True freshman Caden Davis came in for relief and threw 3 innings allowing only 1 run and striking out 1. Michael Downs, Hunter McLarry and Victor Maldonado finished the final 2 innings of the game allowing 7 runs. 

Gavy Perez-Torres was a 3-4 in Game 2 with 2 singles and a double. The Roswell native drove home 2 runs and scored a run himself. Andru Sanchez, starting his first career collegiate game, was 2-2 with 2 runs scored and 1 triple. 

Game 3
USW 4---EC 3

Gavy Perez-Torres picked up right where he left on Saturday morning going 3-3 with 1 run, 1 RBI and 1 double. The man batting behind him, Caden Ledbetter, drove in Perez-Torres and Kevin Rase with 2 outs in the bottom of the 3rd to give the Mustangs the lead 3-2. Jacob Harris would drive in an insurance run in the bottom of the 4th. 

Normal #1 starter AJ Cordova got the start in Game 3 and had a solid outing. The Colorado COVID-freshman threw 4 1/3 innings, allowing 3 runs while striking out 7. TJ Ruiz came in relief retiring the only 2 batters he faced. Cade Contreras would come on for the final 6 outs earning his first career save for USW. 

Game 4
EC 8---USW 6

The Mustangs were down 6-1 after the top of the 2nd inning, but Coach Appel's offense stayed on things and tied the game up in the bottom of the 5th. But Ecclesia College would rally for 2 runs in the bottom of the 7th to take the lead and finish things out. 

Kevin Rase was 2-3 in the game with 2 runs and 1 RBI. Jeremy Dibartolomeo was 1-3 in the game with 3 RBI's and 1 run scored. 

Mustang of the Week

Gavy Perez-Torres kicked off his Mustang career this week by leading the team in almost every offensive category. GPT was 12-22 on the week with 13 RBIs and 8 runs scored. Head Coach Steve Appel was very pleased with the play from Perez-Torres this week. "Gavy has been great thus far. Not only has been playing a great shortstop, but he has come in clutch at the plate. His discipline at the plate has been the reason he is succeeding. He is swinging at pitches in his counts and he doesn't ever let the count affect him. He will be a big part of the lineup all year." 


The Mustangs next scheduled game is March 13th versus Schreiner University (NCAA Division 3). Coach Appel and company are going to use these next two weeks to their advantage and fine tune some things for the long road stretch ahead of them. "We just need to keep working. We didn't have a true fall as a team, and we still didn't have a true spring preseason. Offensively, we just need guys to be themselves ad do the things that make them successful. On the mound, we just need to compete more in tough situations."